Zuma must pay back R52.9-million for Nkandla - Maimane

Democratic Alliance (DA) Parliamentary leader, Mmusi Maimane, has said that President Jacob Zuma owes the country at least R52.9-million for non-security upgrades done at his private Nkandla home.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg earlier today, Maimane said that the finding, based on the figures of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s Nkandla report, suggests that the remaining amount of the R246-million spent, could not be viewed as legitimate, and that Police Minister Nathi Nhleko’s imminent investigation results “cannot override the remedial actions of the Public Protector”.

“[We are of the] belief that the upgrades to Nkandla, and the 785% cost escalation of the project from an initial budget of R27.8 million, represents corruption and wasteful expenditure of the highest order,” he said, adding that an analysis of the budget showed that the need for minimum security went well beyond what was planned.

Maimane also revealed that Zuma was aware of the project as Modonsela’s report found that he had received detailed plans from then Public Works Minister, Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, in November 2010, and that he visited the site on numerous occasions to complain about the delays.

“The Public Protector further found that the under the supervision of the Principal Agent, Mr Minenhle Makhanya, who was also the President’s personal architect, the project was subjected to “uncontrolled scope creep, cost escalation and poor performance by some of the contractors.

“There can be no doubt that the President was not only aware of the upgrades to his residence, but that he actively encouraged them,” said Maimane.

“When President Zuma is removed from office, the upgraded homestead will provide no benefit to the state or the public. The President must accept responsibility for his complicity in this gross case of corruption and misappropriation of state funds, and repay the state with immediate effect,” he concluded.